32 92 23 SODDING.doc

SECTION 32 92 23

SODDING

PART 1 GENERAL

1.1 REFERENCES

1.1.1 The latest issue of the publications listed below and referenced to thereafter by basic designations only, forms a part of this specification to the extent referenced. The publications are referred to within the text by the basic designation only.

1.1.1.1 ASTM INTERNATIONAL (ASTM)

a. ASTM C 602 Agricultural Liming Materials

b. ASTM D 4427 Peat Samples by Laboratory Testing

c. ASTM D 4972 pH of Soils

1.1.1.2 TURFGRASS PRODUCERS INTERNATIONAL (TPI)

a. TPI GSS Guideline Specifications to Turfgrass Sodding

1.1.1.3 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

a. DOA SSIR 42 Soil Survey Investigation Report No. 42, Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual, Version 3.0

1.2 DEFINITIONS

1.2.1 Stand of Turf

1.2.1.1 100 percent ground cover of the established species.

1.3 RELATED REQUIREMENTS

1.3.1 The information provided in this section applies to all other specification sections that are applicable to project.

1.4 SUBMITTALS

1.4.1 Government approval may be required on any of the following items. Items requiring submittals shall be listed on the AF Form 66. Copies of all submittals shall be provided per the requirements in Section 01 33 00, Submittal Procedures, or as listed on the AF Form 66.

1.4.1.1 SD-03 Product Data

a. Fertilizer

(1) Include physical characteristics, and recommendations.

1.4.1.2 SD-06 Test Reports

a. Topsoil composition tests (reports and recommendations).

1.4.1.3 SD-07 Certificates

a. Nursery Sod farm certification for sods. Type of sod shall be indicated in accordance with TPI GSS.

1.5 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

1.5.1 Delivery

1.5.1.1 Sod Protection

a. Shall be protected from drying out and from contamination during delivery, on-site storage, and handling.

1.5.1.2 Fertilizer, Gypsum, Sulfur, Iron and Lime Delivery

a. Shall be delivered to the site in original, unopened containers bearing manufacturer's chemical analysis, name, trade name, trademark, and indication of conformance to state and federal laws. Instead of containers, fertilizer, gypsum, sulphur, iron and lime may be furnished in bulk with certificate indicating the above information.

1.5.2 Storage

1.5.2.1 Sod Storage

a. Shall be lightly sprinkled with water, covered with moist burlap, straw, or other approved covering; and protected from exposure to wind and direct sunlight until planted. Covering that shall allow air to circulate shall be provided so that internal heat shall not develop. Sod shall not be sotred longer than 24 hours. Sod shall not be stored directly on concrete or bituminous surfaces.

1.5.2.2 Topsoil

a. Prior to stockpiling topsoil, growing vegetation shall be treated with application of appropriate specified non-selective herbicide. Clear and grub existing vegetation three to four weeks prior to stockpiling topsoil.

1.5.3 Handling

1.5.3.1 Do not drop or dump materials from vehicles.

1.6 TIME RESTRICTIONS AND PLANTING CONDITIONS

1.6.1 Restrictions

1.6.1.1 Sod shall not be planted when the ground is frozen, snow covered, muddy, or when air temperature exceeds (90 degrees Fahrenheit).

1.7 TIME LIMITATIONS

1.7.1 Sod

1.7.1.1 Sod shall be placed a maximum of thirty six hours after initial harvesting, in accordance with TPI GSS as modified herein.

PART 2 PRODUCTS

2.1 SODS

2.1.1 Classification

2.1.1.1 Shall be nursery grown, certified as classified in the TPI GSS. Sod shall be machine cut at a uniform thickness of 3/4 inch within a tolerance of 1/4 inch, excluding top growth and thatch. Each individual sod piece shall be strong enough to support its own weight when lifted by the ends. Broken pads, irregularly shaped pieces, and torn or uneven ends shall be rejected. Wood pegs and wire staples for anchorage shall be used as recommended by sod supplier.

2.1.2 Purity

2.1.2.1 Sod species shall be genetically pure, free of weeds, pests, and disease.

2.1.3 Planting Dates

2.1.3.1 Sod shall be laid as indicated.

2.1.4 Composition

2.1.4.1 Proportion

a. Proportion grass species as indicated.

2.1.4.2 Sod Farm Overseeding

a. At the sod farm provide sod with overseeding of annual rye grass seed or type recommended by seed producer.

2.1.5 Wildflower Sod

2.1.5.1 Classification

a. Certified or Field grown wildflower sod, shall be machine cut at a uniform thickness of one inch within a tolerance of 1/4 inch, excluding top growth. Top growth shall be a maximum height of 3 inches or as recommended by sod supplier. Each individual wildflower sod piece shall be strong enough to support its own weight when lifted by the ends. Broken pads, irregular shaped pieces, and torn or uneven ends shall be rejected. Wood pegs and wire staples for anchorage on slope conditions, three to one or greater, shall be used as recommended by wildflower sod supplier.

2.1.5.2 Composition

a. Proportion wildflower species as indicated.

2.2 TOPSOIL

2.2.1 Where possible, native topsoil shall be salvaged prior to construction and stockpiled for later redistribution over the disturbed areas. Disturbed sites that have unsuitable surface soils (sandy, rocky, clayey) for plant growth shall be covered with 3-inches of a weed-free, loamy topsoil (i.e., high organic matter content, non-compacted structure) that is free of rocks, large woody debris, trash, or other non-soil materials. All topsoil shall be incorporated by disking it into the subsoil. Suitable topsoil material may be available from the Academy’s mulch yard, but access to this material must be coordinated with the yard manager and the material must be approved by USAFA Natural Resources.

2.2.2 On-Site Topsoil

2.2.2.1 Surface soil shall be stripped and stockpiled on site and modified as necessary to meet the requirements specified for topsoil in paragraph entitled "Composition." When available topsoil shall be existing surface soil stripped and stockpiled on-site in accordance with Section 31 00 00 EARTHWORK and 31 23 00 EXCAVATION AND FILL.

2.2.3 Off-Site Topsoil

2.2.3.1 Topsoil shall conform to requirements specified in paragraph entitled "Composition." Additional topsoil shall be furnished by the Contractor or obtained from topsoil borrow areas indicated.

2.2.4 Composition

2.2.4.1 Shall contain from 5 to 10 percent organic matter as determined by the topsoil composition tests of the Organic Carbon, 6A, Chemical Analysis Method described in DOA SSIR 42. Maximum particle size shall be, 3/4 inch, with maximum 3 percent retained on 1/4 inch screen. The pH shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D 4972. Topsoil shall be free of sticks, stones, roots, and other debris and objectionable materials. Other components shall conform to the requirements of the local agriculture county extension service office.

2.3 SOIL CONDITIONERS

2.3.1 Conditioners shall be added to topsoil as required to bring into compliance with "composition" standard for topsoil as specified herein.

2.3.2 Lime

2.3.2.1 Shall be commercial grade hydrate or burnt limestone containing a calcium carbonate equivalent (C.C.E.) as specified in ASTM C 602 of not less than 140 percent for burnt lime, 110 percent for hydrated lime, and 80 percent for limestone.

2.3.3 Aluminum Sulfate

2.3.3.1 Aluminum Sulfate shall be commercial grade.

2.3.4 Sulfur

2.3.4.1 Sulfur shall be 100 percent elemental

2.3.5 Iron

2.3.5.1 Iron shall be 100 percent elemental

2.3.6 Peat

2.3.6.1 Natural product of peat moss derived from a freshwater site and conforming to ASTM D 4427, as modified herein. Peat shall be shredded and granulated to pass a 1/2 inch mesh screen and conditioned in storage pile for minimum 6 months after excavation.

2.3.7 Sand

2.3.7.1 Sand shall be clean and free of materials harmful to plants.

2.3.8 Perlite

2.3.8.1 Perlite shall be horticultural grade.

2.3.9 Composted Derivatives

2.3.9.1 Composite derivative shall be ground bark, nitrolized sawdust, humus or other green wood waste material free of stones, sticks, and soil stabilized with nitrogen and having the following properties:

2.3.9.2 Particle Size

a. Minimum percent by weight passing:

(1) No. 4 mesh screen 95

(2) No. 8 mesh screen 80

2.3.9.3 Nitrogen Content

a. Minimum percent based on dry weight:

(1) Fir Sawdust 0.7

(2) Fir or Pine Bark 1.0

2.3.10 Gypsum

2.3.10.1 Shall be coarsely ground gypsum shall be comprised of calcium sulfate dihydrate 91 percent, calcium 22 percent, sulfur 17 percent; minimum 96 percent passing through 20 mesh screen, 100 percent passing thru 16 mesh screen.

2.3.11 Calcined Clay

2.3.11.1 Calcined clay shall be granular particles produced from montmorillonite clay calcined to a minimum temperature of 1200 degrees F. The gradation shall be a minimum 90 percent shall pass a No. 8 sieve; a minimum 99 percent shall be retained on a No. 60 sieve; and a maximum 2 percent shall pass a No. 100 sieve. The bulk density shall be a maximum 40 pounds per cubic foot.

2.4 FERTILIZER

2.4.1 Granular Fertilizer

2.4.1.1 Organic synthetic, granular controlled release fertilizer containing the minimum percentages, by weight, of plant food nutrients in accordance with the requirements of the local agriculture county extension service office.

2.5 WATER

2.5.1 Source of water shall be approved by Contracting Officer and of suitable quality for irrigation containing no element toxic to plant life.

PART 3 EXECUTION

3.1 PREPARATION

3.1.1 EXTENT OF WORK

3.1.1.1 Soil preparation (including soil conditioners), fertilizing, and sodding of all newly graded finished earth surfaces, unless indicated otherwise, and at all areas inside or outside the limits of construction that are disturbed by the Contractor's operations shall be provided.

3.1.2 Soil Preparation

3.1.2.1 All disturbed areas shall be tilled to a minimum depth of four inches and then harrowed, raked or rolled to produce a firm seed bed for planting. Large rocks (>4 inch diameter) and other debris that may impede seeding shall be cleared from the site. Any necessary erosion control structures (e.g., water bars, berms, turnouts) shall be constructed prior to seeding. No fertilizers shall be applied to any seeded area.

3.1.2.2 A minimum of 4 inches of off-site topsoil or on-site topsoil shall be provided to meet indicated finish grade. After areas have been brought to indicated finish grade, fertilizer, pH adjusters, and soil conditioners shall be incorporated into soil a minimum depth of 4 inches by disking, harrowing, tilling or other method approved by the Contracting Officer. Debris and stones larger than 3/4 inch in any dimension remaining on the surface after finish grading shall be removed. Irregularities in finish surfaces shall be corrected to eliminate depressions. Finished topsoil areas shall be protected from damage by vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

3.1.2.3 Soil Conditioner Application Rates

a. Soil conditioners shall be applied at rates as determined by laboratory soil analysis of the soils at the job site and shall be in accordance with the requirements of the local agriculture county extension service office.

3.1.2.4 Fertilizer Application Rates

a. Fertilizer shall be applied at rates as determined by laboratory soil analysis of the soils at the job site and shall be in accordance with the requirements of the local agriculture county extension service office.

3.2 SODDING

3.2.1 Finished Grade and Topsoil

3.2.1.1 Prior to the commencement of the sodding operation, the Contractor shall verify that finished grades are as indicated on drawings; the placing of topsoil, smooth grading, and compaction requirements have been completed in accordance with Section 31 00 00 EARTHWORK and 31 23 00.00 20 EXCAVATION AND FILL.

3.2.1.2 The prepared surface shall be a maximum 1 inch below the adjoining grade of any surfaced area. New surfaces shall be blended to existing areas. The prepared surface shall be completed with a light raking to remove from the surface debris and stones over a minimum 5/8 inch in any dimension.

3.2.2 Placing

3.2.2.1 Sod shall be placed a maximum of 36 hours after initial harvesting, in accordance with TPI GSS as modified herein.

3.2.3 Sodding Slopes and Ditches

3.2.3.1 For slopes 2:1 and greater, sod shall be laid with long edge perpendicular to the contour. For V-ditches and flat bottomed ditches, sod shall be laid with long edge perpendicular to flow of water. Each piece of sod shall be anchored with wood pegs or wire staples maximum 2 feet on center. On slope areas, sodding shall be started at bottom of the slope.

3.2.4 Finishing

3.2.4.1 After completing sodding, edges of sodded area shall blend smoothly into surrounding area. Air pockets shall be eliminated and a true and even surface shall be provided. Frayed edges shall be trimmed and holes and missing corners shall be patched with sod.

3.2.5 Rolling

3.2.5.1 Immediately after sodding, entire area shall be firmed except for slopes in excess of 3 to 1 with a roller not exceeding 90 pounds for each foot of roller width.

3.2.6 Watering

3.2.6.1 Supplemental irrigation shall normally not be required (or necessary) if the seeding is accomplished during the preferred planting periods. However, if a water hook-up is available a sprinkler system may be used to promote rapid plant establishment. Generally, watering at 0.75-1.0 inches/week is recommended during the April-October growing season. The use of water trucks to irrigate is normally not allowed due to the vehicle impacts on the seeded areas and typical problems (inadequate water infiltration, poor distribution) often observed with truck watering.

3.2.6.2 Areas sodded shall be watered as required by daily temperature and wind conditions. Water shall be applied at a rate sufficient to ensure thorough wetting of soil to minimum depth of 6 inches. Run-off, puddling, and wilting shall be prevented. Unless otherwise directed, watering trucks shall not be driven over turf areas. Watering of other adjacent areas or plant material shall be prevented.

3.3 PROTECTION OF TURF AREAS

3.3.1 Immediately after turfing, protect area against traffic and other use.

3.4 RENOVATION OF EXISTING TURF AREA

3.4.1 Aeration

3.4.1.1 Upon completion of weed eradication operations and Contracting Officer's approval to proceed, turf areas shall be aerated as indicated , by approved device. Turf area shall be cored, by pulling soil plugs, to a minimum depth as specified. All soil plugs shall be left, that are produced, in the turf area. All debris generated during this operation shall be removed off site. After aeration operations are complete, entire area shall be topdressed 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch depth with the specified mixture.

3.4.1.2 All parts of topdressing mixture shall be blended to a uniform consistency throughout. At least one paved pedestrian access route and one paved vehicular access route to each building shall be kept clean at all times. All soil plugs shall be cleaned off of other paving when work is complete.

3.4.2 Vertical Mowing

3.4.2.1 Upon completion of aerating operation and Contracting Officer's approval to proceed, turf areas indicated shall be vertically mown, by approved device, to a depth of 1/2 inch above existing soil level, to reduce thatch build-up, grain, and surface compaction. At least one paved pedestrian access route and one paved vehicular access route to each building shall be kept clean at all times. Other paving shall be cleaned when work is complete. All debris generated during this operation shall be removed off site.

3.4.3 Dethatching

3.4.3.1 Upon completion of aerating operation and Contracting Officer's approval to proceed, turf areas indicated shall be attached, by approved device, to a depth of 1/4 inch 1/2 inch below existing soil level, to reduce thatch build-up, grain, and surface compaction. At least one paved pedestrian access route and one paved vehicular access route to each building shall be kept clean at all times. Other paving shall be cleaned when work is complete. All debris generated during this operation shall be removed off site.

3.5 RESTORATION

3.5.1 Existing turf areas shall be restored to original condition which have been damaged during turf installation operations. At least one paved pedestrian access route and one paved vehicular access route to each building shall be kept clean at all times. Other paving shall be cleaned when work in adjacent areas is complete.

END OF SECTION 32 92 23

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32 92 23-1 03/16/10